This year has been a period of creative experimentation as I’ve immersed myself in writing short stories. The quick iteration of scenes and complete narratives has been invaluable in honing my craft. The format also allows experimentation in form and content. Some stories contain kernels of ideas I have for later books. Others provide a chance to play—to write something lighter as a counterbalance to the emotional weight of Hope and Madness.
Out of the eight stories I’ve written so far, two emerged with an unexpected shared theme.
Squirrel Wars follows one woman as she battles wits with a group of cheeky, clever squirrels. Her attempts to protect her space from these mischievous creatures shine a light on our stubborn belief that we can control nature.
Night Thief is a humorous mystery where the protagonist is on a mission to protect her beloved pet koi from a cunning local fish thief. It will keep you hooked from start to finish.
These pieces feel like the beginning of something larger. Once I’ve written more of these nature-inspired stories, I plan to explore shaping them into a small anthology. For now, I’m enjoying the freedom of the form and the creative growth it continues to offer.
If you’d like to follow along as this work develops, you’re welcome to join my newsletter for updates and occasional sneak peeks.